BATE Borisov vs Arsenal Prediction 14 February 2019

20:00 13.02.19

BATE Borisov welcome the visitors Arsenal in the Europa League Play-offs – 1/16 Finals. The match will be held on Thursday, February, 14th, at the Borisov Arena (Barysaw).

The past winter break was rather controversial for BATE Borisov – half of the squad have left the team, namely, Valadzko, Polyakov, Milunovic, Gordeichuk, and Signevich. The main loss is, certainly, Ivanic who was the team’s leading attacking player. He used to assist, fashion opportunities, and convert those. BATE did not replace these performers anyhow. They’ve just signed a few attacking Serbians, and it is not clear yet, if they fit the squad. This is not the best way to start the season with a clash against Arsenal… BATE did not only lose many performers, they were recently on holidays as well. This will most likely lead to their very unpleasant loss to the ‘Gunners’ tomorrow.

The visitors need to refocus on the Europa League, as they have no ambitions in the English Premiere League now, looking very bleak in their fight for top-four. In the end, there is no difference if a team take the fifth or the sixth line; thus, Arsenal should better concentrate on the Europa League these days. The side are very experienced in competing here and are highly motivated, as the win in this competition will provide for the Champions League in the next season. Needless to say, the ‘Gunners’ will not be promoted automatically there, so, they need to force their way into the Europa League. Surely, we will not see any passive play that Arsenal demonstrated in the group stage. They will certainly fight to a finish in each encounter!

We’re betting on the guests’ win with a -1.0 handicap. This is a must-win bet. More solid handicaps are also possible. Arsenal will feature a win by a margin of three goals at least.